KEY POINTS:
Phil Vickery said today he was proud and excited to be handed the England captaincy and was looking forward to trying to revive the fortunes of the ailing rugby world champions.
"I think we are under no illusions at the task that lies ahead of us," the London Wasps prop said after replacing Martin Corry as captain.
"It's not just up to me, it's up to everybody in the squad... we need to create that environment where everybody is pushing for places and going out and performing."
Vickery heads a 33-man Six Nations squad that was named by new coach Brian Ashton on Tuesday which included fellow-World Cup winners Jonny Wilkinson and Jason Robinson.
Asked about the inclusion of Robinson, who announced his retirement from international rugby 15 months ago, the injury-plagued Wilkinson and veteran Mike Catt, Vickery said the squad had the right blend of youth and experience.
"Brian has always made it clear he'll do it his way... we've got some experienced guys in there but also some young talent. I think there are very exciting times ahead for English rugby.
"It's great to see Jonny back, I've had some bad luck but he's had much worse than me. There's not an England player or fan who doesn't want to see him back."
While the World Cup is looming on the horizon, Vickery said all thoughts were on turning around a terrible run of results in England's Six Nations opener next month.
England have lost eight tests out of nine, including a home defeat by Argentina in November, and have slipped to seventh in the world rankings.
"The Six Nations is coming up and the first game is at Twickenham and everybody is looking forward to that," he said.
"Anything is achievable. We mustn't get too carried away even though we've been in a horrible period as far as results.
"I'm excited about playing with the guys and hope that some of them take the chance to go out and play for their country.
"From my perspective I just want the support of the players and coaches and everyone at Twickenham. Let's get behind the team, let's move forward and get ourselves prepared for that World Cup onslaught."
- REUTERS
